Interpretation Commentaries (INT) | Reviews, Theology

The Interpretation commentary series, published by Westminster John Knox Press, has been a popular academic resource for pastors and teachers for decades. [1]

The series, which covers Old and New Testament books, is complete.

interpretation bible commentary — Cover design of Interpretation commentaries

The first volumes appeared in the early 1980’s and the final volumes appeared in the early 2000’s. There are 43 mid-size commentaries in the set.

Commentaries in the Interpretation series are known for their theological reflection and discussion of biblical themes.

Volumes are not technical in relation to the original languages of Scripture, so readers who have not been trained in Hebrews and Greek will not be hindered, and exegesis is not a central aim of the series.

Authors use the Revised Standard Version and the New Revised Standard Version as the basis for their comments.

The Interpretation series does not intend to meet every need of the reader, but focuses on Scripture, history, and theology.

“These volumes will not replace the historical critical commentary or homiletical aids to preaching,” write the editors in the Series Preface.

“The purpose of this series is rather to provide a third kind of resources, a commentary which presents the integrated result of historical and theological work with the biblical text.” [2]

Generally, commentaries in the Interpretation series take a moderately-critical approach to Scripture.

Authors come from a variety of denominations, but share the goal of discussing the meaning of the text for the usefulness of the Church.

Which commentary series is best for your purposes? See Best Bible Commentaries: Top 50. Based on aggregate reviews.


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Want to save money on bible commentaries?

Logos Bible Software is the best digital resource for bible commentaries, theology books, and more. When you sign up through Best Bible Commentaries, you will save 10% on the cost of the software in addition to getting five free books. Click on the LOGOS image above to learn more.

Interpretation Commentaries (INT): Reviews

Walter Brueggemann’s Genesis commentary is one of the most well-reviewed volumes in the series. From the review in Trinity Journal of Brueggemann’s Genesis commentary:

“The narratives in the book of Genesis are exciting stories from first to last, but we tend to lose some of that excitement either by reading too narrowly or by knowing the stories so well that the dramatic tension withers away.

One of the strong points of Brueggemann’s commentary is that he is able to make these stories come alive for the reader. Brueggemann is an able and insightful storyteller, often creating in the reader a new fascination for the text.” [3]

Another of the most highly-praised volumes is Richard B. Hays’ 1 Corinthians commentary. From the review in the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society on Hays’ 1 Corinthians commentary:

“…for unpacking the meaning of the text, Hays’s contribution serves its purpose and readers well.

It achieves that difficult balance of addressing the essential issues and problems without bogging down those whose interests or expertise will not allow them to work through highly technical debates.

The book has no footnotes and only occasional references in the text to other resources, though Hays’s comments show his interaction with the research and literature — both ancient and modern — on the letter.” [4]